Marriott International is growing its portfolio in China, with the signing of an agreement to open its first resort in the country in early 2004.

Under an agreement with Sanya Jahwa Resort Development Co Ltd, The 453 room Sanya Marriott Resort will be managed by Marriott on the Southern coast of Hainan Island.

Situated in the Yalong Bay National Resort, the property will look onto 450 meters of beach frontage and be next to the 18-hole Yalong Bay golf club. Three restaurants including a Chinese and poolside grill, two bars, a health and fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, two outdoor tennis courts, golf putting green and a spa featuring15 individual treatment rooms will be part of the facilities.

Ed Fuller who is the president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International says that the company’s decision to develop its portfolio in China is an obvious one, considering the fact that “China is fast becoming one of the world’s most important travel markets.”

Marriott already has a presence in the Chinese market, through its Lodging brand – there are five Marriott Hotels in China – with plans to open four more in the country over the next 18 months, the first of which will open in Shanghai in September 2003. Details: +1 301 380 7796